A glow-up typically refers to a child’s physical evolution into an attractive adult. Crowley, however, used the term to describe her personal and emotional growth.

Hundreds of other girls replied to Caitlin’s tweet, showcasing their own glow-ups from before and after they came out.

The response has been “unbelievable and unexpected, but completely heartwarming and humbling,” Crowley said.

“It reminds you that you’re not alone.”

In addition to the overwhelming public response, Crowley said she received about a hundred direct messages on Twitter and Instagram, many from other young gay teens seeking advice and support on how to come out.

The experience has put her in her “big sister shoes,” she said.

“I tell them that there’s no one way to do it, no one timeline to go by,” she said. “It’s whenever you think that you’re ready (to come out). If you’re not ready then the world definitely isn’t going to be ready for you.”

Crowley's own experience coming out was especially scary considering how conservative Naples is, she said.